Harvey Elliott update issued by Arne Slot after Unai Emery comments

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has discussed the January transfer window and Harvey Elliott's loan situation ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Newcastle at Anfield

Arne Slot speaks at his Liverpool press conference(Image: LFC TV)

Arne Slot was questioned about Harvey Elliott's loan stint at Aston Villa ahead of Liverpool's Premier League game against Newcastle on Saturday.

Elliott finally made an appearance for Unai Emery's side in the Europa League midweek match. He has only donned the Villa shirt six times - with his last appearance dating back to October - since joining on a season-long loan. It's believed that if the England U21 international reaches 10 appearances, the Midlands club will be required to fork out £35 million ($48.2 million) to Liverpool.

However, Villa's manager Emery stated on Thursday that he has no intention of signing Elliott, who could find himself in a state of uncertainty once again.

"It is not changing," said Emery. "Not changing, I told you yesterday, it is not changing his situation.

"Today, he played and very fantastic how he helped us, but it's not changing our idea with him."

When probed about the situation at his press conference on Friday, Slot simply responded: "It was very pleasing to see him on the pitch. I think his situation is clear. He's an Aston Villa player at this moment, and that's all I can say."

Harvey Elliott is trying to kick-start his Aston Villa career(Image: Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah boost

Liverpool's attacking options have been bolstered by the return of Mohamed Salah from international duty, and the Egyptian found the back of the net during the midweek 6-0 thrashing of Qarabag in the Champions League.

When quizzed about whether Salah is poised to regain his top form for the Reds, Slot said: "I think it's always about the team and the team has to make sure he gets in good positions, and I think that's what we are doing more and more.

"Not only with him but with many players.

"I think I've said this many times before. Our game in between boxes is good enough for our attackers to often be in promising positions.

"We know that if this happens enough times, our players will do what we expect of them because they have so much quality."

Liverpool's game against Newcastle is huge, with both teams vying for a top-four finish.

The Reds are sixth in the table, three points ahead of Newcastle in ninth.

Fourth spot is currently occupied by Manchester United; the Red Devils are two points ahead of Liverpool.